US4813670A - Hand held game instrument - Google Patents

Hand held game instrument Download PDF

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Publication number
US4813670A
US4813670A US07/176,295 US17629588A US4813670A US 4813670 A US4813670 A US 4813670A US 17629588 A US17629588 A US 17629588A US 4813670 A US4813670 A US 4813670A
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
open
hand held
arm members
game instrument
grip member
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
US07/176,295
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English (en)
Inventor
Masanori Mizunuma
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Tomy Kogyo Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Tomy Kogyo Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Tomy Kogyo Co Ltd filed Critical Tomy Kogyo Co Ltd
Assigned to TOMY KOGYO CO., INC., A CORP. OF JAPAN reassignment TOMY KOGYO CO., INC., A CORP. OF JAPAN ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: MIZUNUMA, MASANORI
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US4813670A publication Critical patent/US4813670A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
    • A63F9/30—Capturing games for grabbing or trapping objects, e.g. fishing games

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a hand held game instrument, and more particularly to a hand held toy used with small marbles or balls.
  • toys typically in the shape of a snake, that have a body comprising a plurality of cylindrical members rotatable with respect to each other.
  • toys are normally intended for children of very young ages, and have no mechanisms for picking-up or holding objects.
  • games for small children involving, as an object, picking-up small balls or marbles typically require that the children have a great deal of manual dexterity to successfully play the game. Small children do not have the manual dexterity necessary to play these games, and therefore quickly loose interest in the game.
  • the present invention provides a hand held game instrument comprising a grip member, a receptacle connected to the grip member, a protrusion connected to the grip member, an open/close member comprising a first part and a second part pivotable with respect to the first part, and a plurality of arm members pivotally connected to each other, and connected between the grip member and the open/close member so that the open/close member pivots so as to engage the protrusion and to move the second part.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of two game instruments embodying the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a partial, cross-sectional view of a game instrument embodying the present invention
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a game instrument embodying the present invention positioned to engage a protrusion member
  • FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of an open/close member of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of two game instruments, each embodying the present invention.
  • a game instrument 10 includes an arm assembly 15 connected between an open/close member 20 and a grip member 25.
  • the arm assembly 15 comprises a plurality of arm members 30 pivotally connected to each other by way of pins 35.
  • the arm assembly 15, and more particularly, the arm members 30 are also connected between the open/close member 20 and a grip member 25.
  • the arm members 30 can have any shape. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the arm members 30 have a cylindrical shape.
  • Each of the arm members 30 is pivotally connected an adjacent arm member 30 via pins 35.
  • the pins 35 join adjacent arm members 30 and are axially offset with respect to each other. While this offset is not necessary, it enables the arm members 30 to more easily pivot about the grip member 25 into a position such as illustrated in FIG. 3.
  • the arm members 30 are connected to each other so that they gently curve from the grip member 25 to the open/close member 20.
  • each of the arm members 30 has a longitudinal axis that is at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of an adjacent arm member.
  • This curve in the arm assembly is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with the arm assembly 15 fully extended in a longitudinal direction. The curve ensures that the arm assembly 15 can easily pivot to the position shown in FIG. 3.
  • the curve in the arm assembly 15 is not required, but merely makes it easier for the arm assembly 15 to pivot.
  • the grip member 25 has connected thereto a protrusion 40 and a receptacle 45.
  • the protrusion 40 is positioned on the grip member 25 so as to engage the open/close member 20 when the game instrument 10 is in a position such as illustrated in FIG. 3.
  • the open/close member 20 includes a first part 50 and a second part 55 that is pivotable with respect to the first part 50.
  • the second part 55 pivots about pivot points 60 positioned on opposing sides of the open/close member 20.
  • the pivot points 60 can be, for example, protrusions from the first part 50 or, for example, the ends of an axle. All that is needed is that the second part 55 freely pivot about the points 60 so as to enlarge or close an opening 65 by moving the first and second parts with respect to each other.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates the open/close member 20 in a closed position.
  • a recess 70 in a portion of a second part 55 defines the size of the opening 65. So, when the recess 70 is brought to rest against a ball or marble 75 shown in FIG. 1, the second part 55 tends to rotate about the pivot points 60, causing the opening 65 to be enlarged and permitting the ball or marble 75 to enter the open/close member 20.
  • the weight of the second part 55 tends to hold it in the closed position.
  • the first part 50 has a cup shape so that the ball or marble 75 tends to stay in the first part 50.
  • the open/close member 20 also includes opposing openings 80 on either side of the open/close member 20.
  • the opening 80 engage the protrusion 40 which has a wedge or triangular shape.
  • the second part of the open/close member 20 is urged open. This enlarges the opening 65 and enables the ball or marble 75 to drop out of the first part 50 into the receptacle 45.
  • FIG. 3 wherein a protrusion 40 is engaged with an opening 80, allowing the second part 55 to open and the ball or marble 75 to drop out into the receptacle 45.
  • a user holds the grip member 25 and places the opening 65 over a ball or marble 75.
  • the engagement of the ball or marble 75 with the recess 70 causes the second part 55 to rotate, enlarging the opening 65 and permitting the ball or marble 75 to enter the open/close member 20.
  • Lifting the hand held game instrument 10 causes the second part 55 to close due to its own weight, as noted above. This state is shown in FIG. 2.
  • the respective functions of the first and second parts (50, 55) can be reversed, and the movable part could be spring biased if desired.
  • the instrument With the hand held game instrument holding a ball or marble 75 as shown in FIG. 2, the instrument is lifted toward a horizontal or slightly elevated position. Since, in the preferred embodiment, the pins 35 are offset and arm members 30 are connected to form a gentle curve, the open/close member 20 is slightly elevated above the grip member 25 when the grip member 25 is held approximately horizontal. As a result, the open/close member 20 tends to pivot towards the grip member 25. The open/close member 20 continues to pivot, and engages one of the protrusions 40 as shown in FIG. 3. As described above, this causes the second part 55 to freely lift and permits the ball or marble 75 to roll out of the first part 50 into the receptacle 75.
  • the hand held game instrument 10 of the present invention can be used with a reservoir 85 to hold the balls or marbles 75.
  • the reservoir 85 preferably has curved bottom causing the balls or marbles 75 to accumulate at the bottom of the reservoir 85.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)
  • Pivots And Pivotal Connections (AREA)
US07/176,295 1987-10-15 1988-03-31 Hand held game instrument Expired - Fee Related US4813670A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP1987157981U JPH0520396Y2 (en, 2012) 1987-10-15 1987-10-15
JP62-157981 1987-10-15

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US4813670A true US4813670A (en) 1989-03-21

Family

ID=15661640

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US07/176,295 Expired - Fee Related US4813670A (en) 1987-10-15 1988-03-31 Hand held game instrument

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US4813670A (en, 2012)
JP (1) JPH0520396Y2 (en, 2012)
GB (1) GB2211100B (en, 2012)

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4936574A (en) * 1988-09-21 1990-06-26 Lee Ching H Fishing fish toy
US5342064A (en) * 1993-10-25 1994-08-30 Western Publishing Co., Inc. Acquisition game
US5853174A (en) * 1997-06-24 1998-12-29 M Design Game and two-way ratcheting mechanism
US6684552B1 (en) 2002-09-12 2004-02-03 Anders, Iii Otto A. Turkey decoy
US20080088092A1 (en) * 2006-10-12 2008-04-17 Agatsuma Co., Ltd. Home-Use Crane Game Machine
US20080185783A1 (en) * 2007-02-07 2008-08-07 Lincoln Chen Method and apparatus for playing feeding game
WO2008095398A1 (fr) * 2007-02-08 2008-08-14 Tsan-Lin Chen Dispositif de jeu consistant à apporter une alimentation et procédé pour celui-ci
US20080217849A1 (en) * 2007-03-09 2008-09-11 Walter Steven Williams Nerve challenge
USD621450S1 (en) * 2009-08-31 2010-08-10 Easeon Services, Ltd. Squirting toy with animal head
USD621449S1 (en) * 2009-08-31 2010-08-10 Easeon Services, Ltd. Squirting toy with animal head
US8181964B2 (en) 2010-04-23 2012-05-22 Mattel, Inc. Game
US20140242874A1 (en) * 2013-02-26 2014-08-28 Mattel, Inc. Toy Apparatus
US8864137B2 (en) 2010-08-27 2014-10-21 Mattel, Inc. Action game apparatus and method
US20160136518A1 (en) * 2013-02-26 2016-05-19 Mattel, Inc. Toy Apparatus

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4988099A (en) * 1990-01-16 1991-01-29 Wayne Kuna & Associates Moving character action game
JP7305149B2 (ja) * 2019-02-15 2023-07-10 株式会社アガツマ 家庭用クレーンゲーム機

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3050902A (en) * 1959-12-17 1962-08-28 Glass Novelty
US3578319A (en) * 1968-12-20 1971-05-11 Kohner Bros Inc Marble pickup game with flexible manipulator
GB1544391A (en) * 1977-07-29 1979-04-19 Agatsuma Co Ltd Game board
US4469327A (en) * 1982-03-15 1984-09-04 Hasbro Industries, Inc. Amusement game device
US4703892A (en) * 1986-05-29 1987-11-03 Nadel & Sons Toy Corp. Water shooting amusement device

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3050902A (en) * 1959-12-17 1962-08-28 Glass Novelty
US3578319A (en) * 1968-12-20 1971-05-11 Kohner Bros Inc Marble pickup game with flexible manipulator
GB1544391A (en) * 1977-07-29 1979-04-19 Agatsuma Co Ltd Game board
US4469327A (en) * 1982-03-15 1984-09-04 Hasbro Industries, Inc. Amusement game device
US4703892A (en) * 1986-05-29 1987-11-03 Nadel & Sons Toy Corp. Water shooting amusement device

Cited By (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4936574A (en) * 1988-09-21 1990-06-26 Lee Ching H Fishing fish toy
US5342064A (en) * 1993-10-25 1994-08-30 Western Publishing Co., Inc. Acquisition game
US5853174A (en) * 1997-06-24 1998-12-29 M Design Game and two-way ratcheting mechanism
US6684552B1 (en) 2002-09-12 2004-02-03 Anders, Iii Otto A. Turkey decoy
US7841599B2 (en) * 2006-10-12 2010-11-30 Agatsuma Co., Ltd. Home-use crane game machine
US20080088092A1 (en) * 2006-10-12 2008-04-17 Agatsuma Co., Ltd. Home-Use Crane Game Machine
US20080185783A1 (en) * 2007-02-07 2008-08-07 Lincoln Chen Method and apparatus for playing feeding game
WO2008095398A1 (fr) * 2007-02-08 2008-08-14 Tsan-Lin Chen Dispositif de jeu consistant à apporter une alimentation et procédé pour celui-ci
US20080217849A1 (en) * 2007-03-09 2008-09-11 Walter Steven Williams Nerve challenge
USD621450S1 (en) * 2009-08-31 2010-08-10 Easeon Services, Ltd. Squirting toy with animal head
USD621449S1 (en) * 2009-08-31 2010-08-10 Easeon Services, Ltd. Squirting toy with animal head
US8181964B2 (en) 2010-04-23 2012-05-22 Mattel, Inc. Game
US8864137B2 (en) 2010-08-27 2014-10-21 Mattel, Inc. Action game apparatus and method
US20140242874A1 (en) * 2013-02-26 2014-08-28 Mattel, Inc. Toy Apparatus
US9227148B2 (en) * 2013-02-26 2016-01-05 Mattel, Inc. Toy apparatus
US20160136518A1 (en) * 2013-02-26 2016-05-19 Mattel, Inc. Toy Apparatus
US9616327B2 (en) * 2013-02-26 2017-04-11 Mattel, Inc. Toy apparatus
US9789388B2 (en) 2013-02-26 2017-10-17 Mattel, Inc. Toy apparatus
US10265616B2 (en) 2013-02-26 2019-04-23 Mattel, Inc. Toy apparatus

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB8811050D0 (en) 1988-06-15
JPH0162886U (en, 2012) 1989-04-21
JPH0520396Y2 (en, 2012) 1993-05-27
GB2211100A (en) 1989-06-28
GB2211100B (en) 1991-03-27

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: TOMY KOGYO CO., INC., 9-10, TATEISHI 7-CHOME, KATS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:MIZUNUMA, MASANORI;REEL/FRAME:004859/0428

Effective date: 19880318

Owner name: TOMY KOGYO CO., INC., A CORP. OF JAPAN, JAPAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MIZUNUMA, MASANORI;REEL/FRAME:004859/0428

Effective date: 19880318

REMI Maintenance fee reminder mailed
LAPS Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
FP Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee

Effective date: 19930321

STCH Information on status: patent discontinuation

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362